Kościół a młodzież z czasów popkultury. Obawy i nadzieje

Abstract

Pop culture affects the way young people see the world and adopt different values. It is also one of the main factors shaping the identity of the young generation. Youth is marked by a search for identity and by the shaping of attitudes towards various institutions, both those existing and under formation, including the Church. What is then the framework of possibilities open to educators – thus priests as well – while operating in the world of pop culture, which is often the only area for activity on the part of a young person? At present we usually observe the negative influence of mass media and pop culture on teenagers; two cases in point are early sexual initiation and experiments with alcohol or other psychoactive substances. However, it is noteworthy that there are several levels of adapting pop culture to suit the educational needs of young people. The article focuses on those methods with special emphasis given to categories such as language; image; advertising and promotion; music; authorities and idols; as well as body, femininity and masculinity.